Guidebook: a local perspective
Food scene
There are more incredible places to eat and drink in the Asheville area than you can possibly experience in one trip, but here are some of our favs!
This is a wonderful place if you are looking to get away from the touristy spots. Locally sourced southern food at a great price with local beer selections!
173 locals recommend
HomeGrown
371 Merrimon AveThis is a wonderful place if you are looking to get away from the touristy spots. Locally sourced southern food at a great price with local beer selections!
Higher priced fine dining with breathtaking views of downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge mountains. Reservations required (grab one on the app “open table”).
26 locals recommend
Sunset Terrace
290 Macon AveHigher priced fine dining with breathtaking views of downtown Asheville and the Blue Ridge mountains. Reservations required (grab one on the app “open table”).
Located at the Omni hotel next to Sunset Terrace, this is a cheaper option but still has great food and drink with the same incredible views!
10 locals recommend
Edison, Craft Ales + Kitchen
290 Macon AveLocated at the Omni hotel next to Sunset Terrace, this is a cheaper option but still has great food and drink with the same incredible views!
It may be the most touristy brewery we have, but for good reason, it is incredible!
726 locals recommend
Sierra Nevada Brewery
100 Sierra Nevada WayIt may be the most touristy brewery we have, but for good reason, it is incredible!
Blue Mountain Pizza
55 N Main StGreat local pizza and brewery spot!
Twisted Laurel
10A S Main StA great local American bistro and tap house.
Sightseeing
Simple 2mi out and back hike to the gorgeous Catawba waterfalls.
37 locals recommend
Catawba Falls Trailhead
3074 Catawba River RdSimple 2mi out and back hike to the gorgeous Catawba waterfalls.
The location of the Omni sunset terrace and Edison restaurants, this is a beautiful historic hotel that you can visit for free (with paid parking) and get some incredible food and drinks while rocking in chairs next to huge fireplaces.
37 locals recommend
Grove Park Inn at Sammons Building station
The location of the Omni sunset terrace and Edison restaurants, this is a beautiful historic hotel that you can visit for free (with paid parking) and get some incredible food and drinks while rocking in chairs next to huge fireplaces.
If the weather is good check out the river arts district where you can walk along the river and check out some unique shops and amazing local restaurants and breweries
700 locals recommend
River Arts District
3 River Arts PlIf the weather is good check out the river arts district where you can walk along the river and check out some unique shops and amazing local restaurants and breweries
The most famous attraction in all of Asheville! It is a bit pricey to tour the mansion but worth checking out! There are also many other things do do on the grounds other than the house!
1485 locals recommend
Biltmore
1 Lodge StThe most famous attraction in all of Asheville! It is a bit pricey to tour the mansion but worth checking out! There are also many other things do do on the grounds other than the house!
Traveler advice
Traveling with kids
Parks & Playgrounds
There are lots of free kid friendly city parks and playgrounds, along with paid water parks throughout the area (our favorites are Carrier Park, Lake Tomahawk, Lake Louise, and Robert Lake).
Ways to save
Hiking
We have some of the most incredible hiking in this area, and it’s all FREE! There is expansive (and kid friendly) hiking in the area such as Catawba Falls, Moore Cove, Little Bradley Falls (download the app “All Trails” for everything you need to know about hiking/trail running in the area)!
Traveling with kids
Family Friendly Breweries
We have more breweries than you can imagine, but if you are looking for great local breweries that are kid friendly, check out: WHISTLE HOP that has a 9 hole putt putt golf course and lots of other family activities, HIGHLAND BREWING with a huge live music stage, and an 18 hole disc golf course, and SIERRA NEVADA that is simply a sight to behold.